A total of six PKK terrorists neutralized on Friday in northern Iraq were identified as so-called intelligence heads of the terror organization, Turkey's National Defense Ministry announced on Saturday.
The terrorists were neutralized in a joint operation of the Turkish Armed Forces and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in Gara region of northern Iraq, the ministry said on Twitter.
Air-backed operations were carried out by Turkish fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), it added.
"Operations will continue at an increased pace and intensity until the last terrorist is neutralized!" the ministry said.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terror attacks in Turkey.
On May 27, Turkey launched the Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq, followed by the operation's second and third phases in July and late August.
Over 400 PKK terrorists have been "neutralized" in northern Iraq over the past four months, according to the ministry.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
